Kim Blohm, President & CEO, Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce
In an interview with Invest:, Kim Blohm, president and CEO of the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce, highlighted 2024 membership growth and strong community engagement, with over 277 new members and more than 290 events. “Right now, we’re standing at a little over 1,100 members, representing more than 32,500 employees across the Greater Boerne area,” she said.
What were some of the Chamber’s key achievements in 2024?
In 2024, we welcomed 277 new members and saw 6% membership growth, with an 81% retention rate, which shows we have an involved, engaged community. Right now, we’re standing at a little over 1,100 members, representing more than 32,500 employees across the Greater Boerne area. We also launched our 2023 Nonprofit Economic Impact Study, which focused on the impact nonprofits are making across our community. We also hosted over 290 in-person networking, educational, and celebratory events for our members throughout the year.
What makes the Greater Boerne community an ideal location for businesses and residents alike?
It comes down to the people. Boerne is a thriving hub for business, and the chamber is at the center of that. We offer small-town charm with big opportunities. The community is built on a strong foundation of local support, and we’ve created a proactive business environment. We’re located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, just minutes from San Antonio and not far from Austin, so it’s a strategic spot. Our population is increasing, but despite the growth, residents still value and support local businesses. We have everything from innovative startups to established industries, all contributing to a strong local economy and a high quality of life.
What economic drivers are fueling this growth, and how are they shaping the business landscape?
A big economic driver of growth is our schools. We have some of the highest-rated schools in Texas, which attract young families and professionals. We’ve built an ecosystem with businesses, the school district, and local governments that work together to support both our residents and new businesses looking to move or expand here. We also have a thriving downtown with fantastic restaurants, breweries, wineries, and shopping that drives tourism to our area.
What infrastructure projects are creating new opportunities for local businesses?
We have numerous apartment complexes and housing developments under construction, as well as a new Baptist Hospital. Projects such as these are helping meet the needs of our growing population. There are a few road expansion and mobility projects underway in our region that will improve connectivity and provide traffic relief. We also have a few mixed-use developments that include retail, restaurant, and office spaces that will create jobs and bring more services to our region.
What chamber programs or initiatives have contributed to your recent growth and member success?
Our focus is to advocate, educate, and connect. We host monthly networking events, ribbon cuttings, and business lunches, all of which create opportunities for connection and growth. Our Leadership Boerne program is a key initiative that develops strong community leaders and gives participants a deeper understanding of our local economy, government, and nonprofit sectors. We also offer relevant workshops on topics like AI, marketing, and finance. Plus, we provide one-on-one consultations to help businesses succeed, whether they need mentorship, advice, or connections. We’re here to make sure businesses of all sizes have what they need to thrive.
What are the biggest challenges facing local businesses in Boerne?
One of the biggest challenges right now is workforce development and talent retention. With growth comes competition, and people have more choices about where they work. We’ve partnered with Boerne ISD, private schools, Alamo Colleges District, and universities, such as UTSA, to connect businesses with job seekers and provide training opportunities. We want to make sure we’re offering career pathways that align with what our businesses need.
Another challenge is the rising cost of doing business, especially with inflation and general economic uncertainty. Small businesses are looking for ways to stay competitive, and that’s where we step in, with educational workshops, peer networking, and help finding innovative solutions.
Then there’s the issue of space and infrastructure. There’s only so much available land in Boerne, and with the population growing, traffic congestion, and commercial space constraints are real concerns. We’re working closely with the city and county to advocate for smart growth and infrastructure solutions.
What are your top priorities for the next two to three years?
We want Boerne to remain a business-friendly place. That means balancing growth with quality of life and preserving the charm that makes this area special. Workforce development will continue to be a major focus because we’ll always need a skilled pipeline of workers. We’re lucky to be part of a community where the chamber, EDC, school district, and local government all work together. We may not always agree on everything, but we’re aligned on the big picture: making Boerne the best place to live, work, and do business.
